A Final Good-Bye

One last thing I will point out is that Lito was not only full of life and energy… he was also deeply committed to living life to the fullest, every day.

Something in him continues to hold on to that life he loved so much, and he won’t let go until he is ready.

What a testament for the rest of us on how to live our own… to push until the very end, giving it your all at all times.

Wow… hats off to you, Lito.

“Siempre al pie del cañón, listo para la batalla!”
(Always ready, standing firm, prepared for the battle)

and

“Como un león.”
(Like a lion.)

…were common answers you would hear when you asked how he was.

And he continues to live that philosophy to the very end.

I am simply a witness to greatness. It is easy to see what he taught us throughout our lives… and the lessons he leaves us with at this moment in his journey.

I also consider myself deeply fortunate to have had two such great role models in life: one who will continue living through his legacy in our hearts and minds, and another who will continue teaching us for many, many decades to come. I hope.

And as we prepare to close this chapter in our lives, we cannot forget the countless ways Lito touched each of us… How, through his actions, he shaped every member of this family in one way or another… And most of all, how he was always the strong tree that grounded the family he and Lita created and nurtured.

“Fuerte como el roble, flexible como el pino, y siempre libre como el águila.” (Strong like the oak, flexible like the pine, and always free like the eagle.) Those were the words he chiseled into my mind and spirit during our many walks along the driveway of La Garita when I was a child.

Over the last 24 hours, we’ve all imagined what might be going through his mind… And we agreed that he has been making his way to the airport in Pavas, where he kept his Cessna… At this point, he is doing his pre-flight checks, walking around the plane, making sure everything is ready… And when he is 100% certain it’s time, he will take off—full speed into the sky… where he always loved to be.

At the end of his flight, he will settle into his recliner and look down on us… Sipping his Old Parr, followed by one of those signature cigars he smoked every night—filling the air with that hint of coconut, as he dips it in cognac… And even though his attention will always be on each of us… don’t be surprised if, from time to time, he’s slightly distracted by a beautiful woman passing by.